As Pongal and Sankranti celebrations kick into high gear, South Indian cinema delivers an incredible lineup spanning action, comedy, romance, and horror. Here’s your complete viewing guide.
Table of Contents
This Week’s South Indian Releases
| Film | Language | Genre | Lead Stars | Release Date | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu | Telugu | Action Comedy | Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara | Jan 12 | 2h 36m |
| Vaa Vaathiyaar | Tamil | Action Comedy | Karthi, Krithi Shetty | Jan 14 | 2h 10m |
| Nari Nari Naduma Murari | Telugu | Comedy Drama | Sharwanand, Samyuktha | Jan 14 | 2h 35m |
| Anaganaga Oka Raju | Telugu | Romantic Comedy | Naveen Polishetty | Jan 14 | 2h 20m |
| Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi | Telugu | Family Comedy | Ravi Teja | Jan 13 | 2h 22m |
| Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil | Tamil | Political Comedy | Jiiva | Jan 15 | 2h 35m |
| Kanimangalam Kovilakam | Malayalam | Horror Comedy | Ajmal Khan AA | Jan 16 | TBA |
| Mango Pachcha | Kannada | Crime Action | Sanchith Sanjeev | Jan 15 | TBA |
The Big Releases You Can’t Miss
1. Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (January 12)
Chiranjeevi returns to screens as Shankara Varaprasad, an NIA officer caught between duty and personal life. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, this action-comedy explores how a national security officer navigates marital troubles while on a critical mission. With Nayanthara as his estranged wife Sasirekha and a special cameo by Venkatesh Daggubati, the film promises mass entertainment blended with family emotions. The 2-hour-36-minute spectacle has already garnered impressive advance bookings, making it the Sankranti highlight.
Discover more about Chiranjeevi’s legendary filmography and his impact on Telugu cinema.
2. Vaa Vaathiyaar (January 14)
Karthi transforms into DSP Rameshwaran, a corrupt police officer who adopts an MGR-inspired alter ego to fight crime. This unique premise directed by Nalan Kumarasamy asks a fascinating question: What happens when a flawed cop channels the legendary actor-politician’s integrity to battle injustice? With Krithi Shetty as the female lead and veteran actors Sathyaraj and Rajkiran in pivotal roles, this 2-hour-10-minute action-comedy offers fresh storytelling during the Pongal season.
3. Nari Nari Naduma Murari (January 14)
Sharwanand headlines this comedy drama about a man planning to marry his girlfriend, only to have his ex-girlfriend return as his new boss. The love triangle creates hilarious chaos as the protagonist juggles between his past and present relationships. Featuring Samyuktha and Sakshi Vaidya, with Sree Vishnu in a key role, director Ram Abbaraju crafts a relatable tale of modern relationship complications spanning 2 hours and 35 minutes.
4. Anaganaga Oka Raju (January 14)
Naveen Polishetty, known for his impeccable comic timing, stars in this romantic comedy opposite Meenakshi Chaudhary. Directed by Maari, the film showcases Polishetty in a quirky, fun-loving avatar that promises laugh-out-loud moments. While plot details remain under wraps, the 2-hour-20-minute runtime suggests a complete entertainer perfect for festive viewing.
5. Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi (January 13)
Ravi Teja plays Ram Sathyanarayana, a husband caught between two women while trying to balance modern dating advice with traditional societal expectations. Director Kishore Tirumala delivers a family romantic comedy featuring Ashika Ranganath and Dimple Hayathi as the female leads. With Sunil and Vennela Kishore providing comic support, this 2-hour-22-minute film explores marriage, responsibility, and love through a humorous lens.
For more updates on South Indian cinema releases, check our comprehensive coverage.
6. Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil (January 15)
Jiiva stars in this political comedy drama directed by Nithish Sahadev (Falimy fame). Set during a community festival, the film follows a protagonist navigating deep-rooted family tensions and feuds while protecting his loved ones. With Prathana Nathan as the female lead and veterans like Thambi Ramaiah and Ilavarasu in supporting roles, the 2-hour-35-minute runtime promises an engaging blend of humor and drama.
7. Kanimangalam Kovilakam (January 16)
This Malayalam horror-comedy directed by Raajesh Mohan offers a unique twist on the haunted house genre. When hostel residents discover it’s not the nearby cemetery that’s haunted but their own building, chaos ensues. Starring Ajmal Khan AA and an ensemble cast, the film explores how these characters survive their supernatural predicament with humor and horror in equal measure.
8. Mango Pachcha (January 15)
Set in early 2000s Mysuru, this Kannada crime action drama follows a young DVD store owner’s unexpected rise through the city’s underworld. Directed by Viveka Prakash and starring Sanchith Sanjeev, the film examines themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of getting entangled in a secret criminal empire.
Why This Week Matters for South Cinema
The Pongal-Sankranti season represents South Indian cinema’s biggest theatrical window, with families flocking to theaters for festive entertainment. This year’s diverse lineup—from Chiranjeevi’s mass action to Malayalam horror-comedy—ensures something for every taste. With major stars like Karthi, Ravi Teja, and Sharwanand vying for audience attention alongside films like The Raja Saab and Parasakthi, box office battles promise exciting weeks ahead.
FAQs
Which is the biggest South Indian film releasing this week?
Chiranjeevi’s “Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu” leads the pack as the most anticipated release, hitting theaters on January 12 with strong advance bookings and massive festival buzz.
Are these films available in multiple languages?
While most releases are language-specific, major films like Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu and Vaa Vaathiyaar may have dubbed versions in neighboring South Indian languages depending on regional demand.
